Farron urges Government to support heating oil users in South Lakeland

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Jun 2009

An independent investigation into heating oil and LPG users has been praised by local MP Tim Farron, who is encouraging heating oil users in South Lakeland to take part in Consumer Focus' investigation into the heating fuel market.

Huge increases in the oil price means thousands of heating oil users are struggling with fuel costs, with many South Lakeland households falling into fuel poverty. Rural areas such as South Lakeland have many more households using LPG and oil for heating than the national average.

Mr Farron has expressed his concern at the government's repeated failure to take-up opportunities to help heating oil consumers in South Lakeland, but is hopeful that the recommendations of Consumer Focus will help to influence Government policy.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"Heating oil users in South Lakeland have faced a triple whammy of rising oil prices, a lack of regulation and a lack of support for investment in energy efficiency.

"Although the summer is now well on its way, it's important that action is taken to help heating oil users now instead of waiting until the winter.

"So far the Government has turned a deaf ear to these concerns but with the support of Consumer Focus we have a real opportunity to get our voice heard."